The Experts

Alan interviewed some of the greatest minds in law and science to discuss implications of neuroscience entering the courtroom. Click on an expert for more, including web exclusive video conversations.

Owen Jones

Vanderbilt University Law School

Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

Owen Jones’ work bridges law, biology and behavior. Holding joint academic appointments, he uses brain-imaging (fMRI), behavioral biology and behavioral economics to learn more about how the brain’s varied operations affect behaviors relevant to law. Most recently, he co-discovered with colleagues at Vanderbilt the brain activity underlying decisions of whether to punish someone and, if so, how much. He came to Vanderbilt from Arizona State University, where he was Willard H. Pedrick Distinguished Research Scholar, professor of law, professor of biology, and Faculty Fellow of the Center for the Study of Law, Science and Technology.